Project Amazon Planning
Planning for Project Amazon began in earnest in May 2021, when Chessington World of Adventures entered into consultation with residents. The proposed site—a previously undeveloped picnic field—represented one of the last major spaces available for expansion within the park’s boundary. With the resort eager to invest in new attractions, the project was quickly prioritised as a major development opportunity.
In August 2021, formal planning documents were submitted to the local council. Though codenamed Project Amazon, the plans were careful not to reveal the final theme. However, early layout diagrams showing the attraction placement and path network led to widespread speculation. Many enthusiasts and residents alike identified clear thematic clues pointing towards the Jumanji film series. From the jungle-inspired pathways to a central spike that resembled the Jumanji game iconography, it was clear that a large-scale IP collaboration was underway.
The planning application detailed three attractions: a shuttle wing coaster, a jumper-style flat ride, and a Miami-style ride. Consideration was also given to guest flow, accessibility, and noise impact due to the land’s proximity to nearby residential areas. Extensive landscaping plans were included, aiming to create a dense jungle atmosphere while screening ride infrastructure from view where possible.
Approval was granted in January 2022, just five months after submission—remarkably fast for a project of this scale. The planning team worked closely with local authorities and environmental specialists to address concerns around traffic, noise, and visual intrusion. The collaborative effort ensured the new land would enhance the park while being sensitive to its surroundings.
With plans finalised and approval secured, Project Amazon transitioned rapidly from blueprint to reality. Its successful planning phase laid the groundwork for a land that would push Chessington’s creative and technical boundaries, resulting in the immersive World of Jumanji.
Project Amazon Planning
Public Consultation
On May 17th 2021, Chessington World of Adventures carried out a series of public consultations surrounding the construction of a new roller coaster at the resort. The plans outline that they would like to construct a new themed land at the park as part of the development, titled “Project Amazon”. The new land would feature a new headline roller coaster attraction. As well as two other rides to round out this new land, set to be themed to the Amazon.
Chessington Buzz was there at the consultation and here’s what we learned!
New Roller Coaster
The planned new roller coaster is part of a series of investments into the park over the next few years, with other attractions also planned. The new roller coaster is planned to be a 1.4m height restriction ride and when pressed, representatives from the park were not too forthcoming about who was fabricating the ride and how it would work.
The ride will be a form of a shuttle coaster featuring winged trains. This is outlined by both the over-view and the station concept artwork. How the shuttle concept would work in terms of station/trains etc is unknown as again, it’s not something they were able to confirm or talk about.
The plans shown were rough outlines of the final layout and proposals. There are due to be released in July alongside the full planning application. The images shown to us were placeholders with the park currently finalising the layout of the ride. This was also the case for the other two rides for the area. These details will again feature in the full application which is planned to be submitted in July.
Two New Rides
As part of the consultation, Chessington revealed plans to introduce two additional flat rides to the new area. Currently, these rides appear on plans as Flat Ride 1 and Flat Ride 2, with final decisions still pending. According to the consultation, the team will choose from a shortlist of approximately six potential flat ride options. They’ll base the final selection on available budget, theming opportunities, and the space each ride will require.
Creating a brand-new themed world takes serious thought, especially when selecting the right mix of attractions. The team aims to ensure the rides offer wide accessibility and suit various guest heights and ages. At the same time, they want rides that look impressive and blend well with the area’s immersive theming. Because of this, multiple concepts remain in consideration as they weigh all creative and practical possibilities. They plan to finalise the ride choices soon and include them in the full planning application expected in July.
About the Consultation
The consultation is all about addressing any concerns from the local residents before the formal application process takes place. From what we gathered from the locals in the room, they seemed fairly content. The park believes there will be no adversely loud noise produced from the ride. Stating that newer rides are quieter due to newer parts and better engineering than those older counterparts in the park. It was also stated that there will be very little visibility of the ride outside of the park. Extra planting is planned to cover those areas where the ride penetrates the surrounding tree heights.
All in all, it all sounded very exciting. A lot of the questions from locals were directed at noise levels, transport concerns etc. A noise survey is currently being conducted and will be included as part of the application. Chessington Buzz will of course be following the project closely! We look forward to seeing the full plans when they’re submitted in July. Watch this space, this could be the beginning of a very exciting project!
Project Amazon Planning
Mandrill Mayhem
At the heart of the Project Amazon plans was Mandrill Mayhem, the headline attraction and Chessington’s first inverting roller coaster. Designed and manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M), this launched shuttle wing coaster was a landmark moment for the park—marking the debut of a B&M coaster in a UK family theme park setting. In planning documents, the ride stood out for its scale, innovative layout, and prominent integration into the themed environment.
The plans showed a unique design that encircled the entire land, creating a dramatic skyline and visually enclosing The World of Jumanji. The shuttle coaster features multiple launches, reversing direction during the ride cycle. One of its most impressive moments is when it wraps around the towering Jaguar Shrine centrepiece, a visual icon of the new land. The ride includes a barrel roll inversion and dynamic changes in direction, delivering thrills while still catering to a family audience.
Planners worked hard to ensure the attraction met noise and height requirements, particularly due to its location near park boundaries. Landscaping, sound barriers, and ride envelope management were all part of the planning considerations. Mandrill Mayhem wasn’t just a coaster—it was designed to be the storytelling spine of the land, tying the adventure together both visually and narratively.
Plans
Project Amazon Planning
Mamba Strike
Known in planning documents as Flat Ride B, Mamba Strike was envisioned as the more intense of the two supporting flat rides. Manufactured by SBF Visa, this Top Dancer ride—commonly referred to as a “Miami” ride—was chosen for its compact footprint and high thrill level. The ride thrusts riders forwards and backwards at speed, delivering sharp airtime and bursts of intensity while maintaining a family-accessible height requirement.
From the outset, planners positioned Mamba Strike as a counterpoint to the more playful Ostrich Stampede. While both rides offered high energy and visual flair, Mamba Strike provided sharper thrills and a more wild ride profile, helping the land appeal to a wide demographic. Located in the bazaar area, its placement helped frame the land with movement and excitement on all sides.
Themed as a snake-like creature striking out from a wicker basket, Mamba Strike was planned with bold visual colours, rustic theming, and fits in perfectly with the nearby bazaar. The ride’s sweeping arm motion created a striking silhouette against the backdrop of the bazaar, reinforcing the chaotic energy of the Jumanji world. Queue line theming, signage, and landscaping were all considered to ensure full immersion, even during short wait times.
Plans
Project Amazon Planning
Ostrich Stampede
Originally listed as Flat Ride A in planning documents, Ostrich Stampede was planned as a high-energy family attraction with broad appeal. The ride, a Super Jumper by SBF Visa Group, is a compact spinning and bouncing flat ride—often found in funfairs under the name frog jumper. In the context of The World of Jumanji, the ride was reimagined as a chaotic ostrich chase through the jungle.
The planning phase considered the ride’s dynamic motion and visual impact. Its circular platform and bouncing rhythm were designed to bring constant movement and energy to the area, acting as a kinetic beacon from several angles. Strategically placed within the land, Ostrich Stampede helped distribute crowds and balanced the ride offering alongside the more intense coaster experience of Mandrill Mayhem.
Thematically, plans incorporated rockwork, foliage, and stylised figures to immerse guests in the Jumanji universe. Care was taken in the layout to ensure the queue and surrounding area supported the jungle aesthetic, with shaded waiting areas and themed signage. This attraction was seen as a vital mid-level thrill, suitable for younger adventurers and families looking for excitement without inversions or extreme forces.